RSF occupation leaves national broadcaster in ruins

March 24, 2024 (OMDURMAN)—A government assessment committee has revealed the devastating consequences of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)’s eleven-month occupation of the national television and radio headquarters. The civilian facility suffered millions of dollars in damages.

On March 12th, the Sudanese army recaptured the headquarters following intense clashes with the RSF. The battles involving heavy weaponry and drones reportedly resulted in significant casualties and destroyed vehicles.

Despite pleas from the Journalists Syndicate and other professional groups to protect the facility, the headquarters remained a battleground throughout the conflict.

Ibrahim Bakhtan, leading the Ministry of Information’s assessment committee, briefed Khartoum Governor Ahmed Othman Hamza on the extent of the damage. Bakhtan’s report detailed “extensive fire damage to the radio buildings, destruction of television studios, and the complete loss of new external broadcasting equipment – either stolen or destroyed by fire. Even the older equipment wasn’t spared.”

He estimated the financial losses to be in the millions. Bakhtan further specified the destruction of the radio’s main control room, news centre, and external broadcasting unit. All operational vehicles were also stolen, and the Khartoum State Canal studios suffered vandalism.

Governor Hamza expressed profound sorrow at the devastation inflicted on these national institutions. He emphasized their significance as symbols of Sudanese history, creativity, and shared heritage.

Hamza called upon international organizations and human rights groups to condemn this “act of destruction” and support the restoration of the radio and television headquarters to serve the Sudanese people once again.

(ST)